Abstract

The control of drug abuse in athletes has become a highly specialised, complex task, which requires use of sophisticated testing procedures. National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) is engaged in the fight against doping since 1990. The anti-doping programme in India is governed by its stringent testing protocol, which is regularly monitored for quality assurance by both National Accreditation Board of Testing and Calibration Laboratories and World Anti-Doping Agency. It is further strengthened by continuous research and training programmes.

The year 2010 is very special for NDTL with a target of testing for two major international games. These are Singapore Youth Olympics (14–26 August 2010) and XIX Commonwealth Games (3–14 October 2010). The testing protocol for these major games will include both urine and blood samples. NDTL is ready with its new test methods viz. human growth hormone, erythropoietin, continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, haemoglobin-based oxygen carrier and blood transfusion. It is expected to test a total of 1100 (urine + blood) samples for Singapore Youth Olympic games and 1500 (urine + blood) samples for XIX Commonwealth Games.

The aim of NDTL for these two major games is to provide fool-proof testing programmes that will achieve both deterrence and detection with athlete's concerns in mind and a results management system that is both fair and time bound. The presentation will focus on the various strategies of the action plan so as to set a milestone of excellence.